With over 180 miles of shoreline, Lake Hiwassee in the mountains of Murphy, North Carolina is one of the  greatest natural resources of Cherokee County.  The lake is over 6,000 acres in size, surrounded by almost 500,000 acres of US Forest Service.

One of a chain of lakes created by the TVA, Lake Hiwassee holds the distinction of having the world's largest overspill dam at one end of its 22 mile length.  Construction on the 307 foot high Hiwassee Dam began in the 1930's.  Today, visitors can walk or drive across the dam or do their sightseeing from the nearby picnic area. 

 The lake is over 200 feet deep in places and anglers catch striped bass, bluegill, yellow perch and muskie.  There are several marinas that rent boats as well as a number of public boat ramps, including one in downtown Murphy on the Hiwassee River. 

 Boaters love the fact that they can spend a whole day on the lake in the middle of the summer and feel like they have it all to themselves.  Because nearly all of the lakeshore is bordered by Forest Service, it remains uncrowded and unspoiled by residential or commercial growth. The only residential development on the lake is Bear Paw Lakefront Resort, a year round gated community with 2 marinas, pool, tennis courts and 24 hour security. 

Hanging Dog Recreational Area on the eastern side of the lake has a public campground with picnic area, hiking trails and a boat ramp.  There's also an old cemetery nearby where you can find graves of settlers dating back before the Civil War.

 If you're looking for a mountain lake with great fishing and boating, no crowds, mild year round weather and incredible scenery, come and visit Lake Hiwassee in Murphy, North Carolina.